X Factor favourite 'can't take the strain': Fears for 'frail and vulnerable' teenager Cher

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By Sara Nathan

Wowing the judges: Cher Lloyd's audition impressed the panel


She exuded a confidence far beyond her tender years as she strutted around the stage during her X Factor audition.

But Cher Lloyd is the subject of concern among show insiders, who fear the teenager may not be tough enough to cope with the demands of the contest.

Fellow contestants have worries for the size six singer's health after she appeared 'frail and vulnerable' at the second round of auditions, Boot Camp, which has not yet been screened.

Cher, from Malvern, Worcestershire, was 16 when she auditioned for the ITV talent show earlier this year.

She sang and rapped to Turn My Swag On by Soulja Boy, and was put through to the next round after judge Cheryl Cole enthused: 'You are right up my street! You are actually my favourite audition so far.'

But a source told the Daily Mail of the boot camp auditions: ' Everyone was worried about Cher, she was extremely nervous and shaking at some points.

'She is quite bolshy on stage, but she sat by herself at lunch. She didn't eat much and looked frail and vulnerable as she was accompanied by a member of production.

'If she gets through to the live shows next month - which she is a shoo-in for - she will have to be given a bit of extra special attention. She is very young.'

All X Factor hopefuls meet a psychologist and are forced to undergo a detailed medical examination at the boot camp stage.

A production source insisted: 'We take great care with our contestants and ensure that they can cope with the strain that comes with taking part on the X Factor.


Difficult decision: Cher has the talent to be considered a 'shoe in' for the next stage, but show insiders are mindful of other concerns


'Yes, Cher is small, but we would never allow anyone on the show who we have concerns about. When the contestants are that bit younger, we do realise we have to take that bit of extra care.'


Mental health concerns: Shirlena Johnson was rejected by the show


X Factor chiefs are being extra vigilant after being forced to axe mother-of-one Shirlena Johnson from the show because psychiatrists said the pressure could be damaging to her mental health.

Cher, who is now 17, was watched by 12.5million people on Saturday and is already the 5/1 favourite to win the series, but has admitted she fears that her nerves will wreck her chances.

She said this week: 'I always get nervous before I sing, to the stage where people think I am not going to be able to do it.

'Then when I get on stage normally I am fine.'

Her grandfather John Lloyd yesterday revealed Cher had been rejected by the X Factor for the past two years. She did not even make it in front of the judges.

Mr Lloyd told the Mail: 'At this time she was influenced by the likes of Beyonce and Whitney Houston and sang ballady-type songs but she has found a niche and reinvented herself.

'She would want to be in Cheryl's group as she idolises her and the way she rose to fame.'





source: dailymail
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